More than 1,455 tonnes of plastic are currently believed to be floating on the Mediterranean Sea, while 94 pct of plastic waste is currently coating the seabed, based on the latest estimates. According to the head of Greenpeace's campaign for the protection of the marine environment Alkis Kafetzis, "the numbers are disappointing."

The role of NGOs has been harshly criticized by the media and by many individuals these past few days. Of course, this harsh criticism came after revelations that NGOs were involved in scandals worth millions of euros.